The North Harbour Stadium’s future is currently in development.

Auckland Council’s Long-term Plan noted the stadium was an “important asset” that requires adequate maintenance and management.

In May, it was reported the chairs and deputy chairs of the Hibiscus and Bays and Upper Harbour local boards were tasked with leading a local working group, known as the North Harbour Stadium Steering Group, to organise a solution for the stadium.

Debbie Klein, Local Communications Specialist for the Hibiscus and Bays Local Board, shares that the working group’s solution is a two-stage approach.

The first stage seeks expressions of interest for an operator to manage the stadium and precinct.

This approach is locally led, working alongside the current stadium manager, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.

The goal is to have an operator in place from July 2025.

The second stage runs concurrently, and will develop a model for the stadium and precinct’s ownership, funding, governance and operation by December 2026.

In the meantime, the steering group will regularly update the mayor and councillors on the work’s progress.

The next update for stage one will be in December.

The Stadium has a 25,000-seat capacity and opened in 1997, being home to North Harbour Rugby and many other clubs.

In recent years it has suffered from disuse compared to venues like Eden Park and Go Media Stadium Mount Smart.

Aucklanders were previously asked for their thoughts on the stadium’s future via the Council’s Have Your Say website in March.

You can find more detailed information regarding this project in the Governing Body meeting agenda of August 29 and the Hibiscus Local Board’s Chair’s Message.